# Costa Rica CCSS health initiatives and surgical backlog

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-ccss-health-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-21T22:52:46.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 4.

In July 2026, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) launched a dental-care program for patients with diabetes and hypertension across fifteen health areas, while simultaneously organizing temporary health operations for pilgrims in Cartago.

By early August, the CCSS reported significant progress in reducing its surgical backlog. Between January and July 2026, the institution resolved 56,678 surgical cases, reducing the historic backlog from 195,700 to 142,987 patients—a 26.9% reduction. Notably, no patients remain on the waiting list from before 2019, and the backlog for cases from 2021 or earlier fell by 57.7%. Of the 97,244 surgeries performed in the first half of the year, 58% were for patients previously on the waitlist.

To address a wave of specialist doctor resignations, the CCSS board extended its emergency declaration for six months, moving the deadline to February 4, 2027. This extension supports measures such as longer clinic hours, reinforced guard duties, expanded tele-consultations, and a dedicated patient-transfer center. Additionally, the CCSS announced a ₡228 billion investment for pharmaceutical purchases in 2026 to prevent surgery suspensions and ensure access to high-complexity therapies. This funding is bolstered by $117.2 million in savings accumulated between 2021 and 2025 through improved price negotiations and consolidated demand for high-cost drugs.

To further strengthen institutional capacity, the CCSS approved the creation of 491 new permanent positions, involving an investment of ₡3,957.5 million. These roles include 58 positions for genetics and molecular diagnosis, 31 for geriatric care, and 28 for regions with high elderly populations. To combat the shortage of medical specialists and prevent brain drain, the institution also approved historic salary increases for specialists to make public sector employment more competitive.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: CCSS approves new medical positions and specialist salary increases

Costa Rica's CCSS has approved 491 new permanent healthcare positions and historic salary increases for medical specialists to strengthen public services and combat professional brain drain.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ccss-approves-new-medical-positions-and-specialist-salary-increases

### 2026-08-10: Healthcare advancements in Costa Rica and Panama

Costa Rica's CCSS is investing ₡228 billion in medicines for 2026, while Panama's CSS expands robotic telesurgery to provinces like Chiriquí to decentralize specialized care.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/healthcare-advancements-in-costa-rica-and-panama

### 2026-08-04: Costa Rica's CCSS cuts surgical waitlist and extends emergency response

Costa Rica's CCSS reduced its surgical backlog by 27% and extended a six‑month emergency declaration to tackle specialist resignations, adding new hours and tele‑consultation measures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-ricas-ccss-cuts-surgical-waitlist-and-extends-emergency-response

### 2026-07-17: Costa Rica's CCSS unveils dental care plan for diabetic patients and launches pilgrimage health operation

Costa Rica's CCSS launches a dental program for diabetic and hypertensive patients in 15 areas and a July‑August health operation to support pilgrims to the Basilica of the Angels, mobilising over 25 clinics.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-ricas-ccss-unveils-dental-care-plan-for-diabetic-patients-and-launches-pilgrimage-health-opera

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Cite as: Costa Rica CCSS health initiatives and surgical backlog. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-ccss-health-initiatives